When the Lady Slaters defeated Southern Lehigh two weeks ago to claim their first Colonial League title since 2010, the girls were overcome with emotions. Many of them talked about years past, and how they were always runners-up, and how long they waited for this moment. Hungry for more, Bangor did it again Halloween night, beating Southern Lehigh 1-0 to take its first-ever District XI 2A Title, while setting a new school record with 20 wins!
After the win, Senior Montana Ott shared her excitement saying "It’s just like the first, we’re so excited. We knew we could do this, and we know we should be here. It’s incredible knowing that we’re going down in the books forever.” Ott, who scored the game-winning goal on a penalty stroke at the top of the 2nd half, talked about the chemistry this team has saying “we truly are all best friends. We love every single girl on the team. We love each other, and we just have great team chemistry, that’s what got us here and that’s what helped us win.”
Senior goalkeeper Morgan Pysher, who stopped 9 shots from the Spartans to record Bangor's 8th shutout this season, talked about how glad she was to be a part of this historic team saying “It’s so amazing because this is everything that I’ve wanted since my freshman year. Stepping on the varsity field, I wanted to make my mark on this program because I just love the sport, and I love this team so much.” Looking at States, Pysher added “I’m nervous but I’m really excited because I get to finally be in the situation.”
Sophomore defender Abbie Buck is also confident as they look ahead toward State Playoffs saying "I’m so excited. I know that we can work hard, we can put the effort in, and we can get it done.” While holding onto her second gold metal this season, Buck added "It’s amazing, it’s the best feeling.”
The Slaters will take on their first opponent Tuesday, November 6th in the first round of the State Playoffs, playing the 4th seed out of district 3. When asked about how they plan on preparing for the competition, seventh-year Head Coach Lisa Kienzle said “We’re going to do the same thing we do every other day. We’re going to run focused practices, we’re going to work on the skills that we need to work on, we’re gonna make any necessary adjustments and we’ll be ready.”
Looking at the season so far, you can’t help but call it magical as Kienzle also celebrated her 100th career win with the team as well. Looking at everything they’ve accomplished so far, Kienzle said "To do it with the girls that I have makes it even more special, my coaches, it is...it is magical. It’s been a dream season. I don’t even have words.” There is still one more trophy the Slaters could possibly take, and that’s the state championship title. To that, Kienzel said "Absolutely, I mean reach for the stars right.” As the only district XI team in the 2A classification, I think we should all be cheering Bangor on for one more historical moment. I know I will be rooting for them! Good luck Slater’s! Go for the Gold!